Formula 1: The Deafening Silence is Broken…
Today, the deafening silence that has followed allegations of tawdry exploits involving FIA President Max Mosley was broken by four auto manufacturers determined to distance themselves from the scandal. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Honda and Toyota all issued statements that make it clear that Mosley has a struggle ahead to keep his Presidency.
BMW and Mercedes-Benz issued the following joint statement this morning:
“The content of the publications is disgraceful. As a company, we strongly distance ourselves from it. This incident concerns Max Mosley both personally and as President of the FIA, the global umbrella organisation for motoring clubs. Its consequences therefore extend far beyond the motor sport industry. We await a response from the relevant FIA bodies.”
Honda issued a similar release later in the day:
“It is necessary that senior figures in sport and business maintain the highest standards of conduct in order to fulfil their duties with integrity and respect. The Honda Racing F1 Team is extremely disappointed by recent events surrounding Mr Mosley and we are concerned that the reputation of Formula One and all its participants is being damaged. We request that the FIA gives this matter careful consideration and reaches an immediate decision in the best interests of F1 and Motorsport.”
And Toyota echoed all these sentiments with the following statement:
“Toyota Motorsport does not approve of any behaviour which could be seen to damage Formula 1’s image, in particular any behaviour which could be understood to be racist or anti-Semitic. Senior figures within any sport or business, including motorsport, must adhere to high standards of behaviour. When all the facts are known, it will be for the FIA to decide whether Mr Mosley has met the moral obligations which come with the position of FIA President.”
If all this were not enough, the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, has requested that Mr. Mosley not attend this weekend’s Grand Prix in Bahrain.
With the silence now broken, voices in the sport (respected and otherwise) are speaking out, calling for Mosley’s resignation. Against the growing momentum of disconent, there is not a voice of support for Mosley to be heard.
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Tags: , BMW, FIA, Formula 1, Honda, max mosley, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota